Trump Administration Sues California to Protect American Students’ Tuition Benefits

The Trump administration has filed a federal lawsuit against California for granting in-state tuition rates, scholarships, and state-funded financial aid to students who entered or remained in the country illegally.

The suit argues that this practice discriminates against U.S. citizens from other states and rewards illegal immigration.

Filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, the complaint names the state, top officials, and both public university systems, the University of California and California State University.

Nationwide Effort to Put Citizens First

This marks the latest in a series of lawsuits by the Trump Justice Department against similar policies in Illinois, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Texas. Half the states currently maintain versions of California’s law.

Texas repealed its decades-old policy in June after facing federal litigation, and Florida eliminated its program last year.

The lawsuit builds on President Trump’s February executive orders directing agencies to block public benefits for illegal immigrants and to challenge state policies that prioritize non-citizens over American citizens.

“California is illegally discriminating against American students and families by offering exclusive tuition benefits for non-citizens,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “This marks our third lawsuit against California in one week. We will continue bringing litigation against California until the state ceases its flagrant disregard for federal law.”

The Justice Department has also sued California over new congressional maps and laws that restrict federal agents, including bans on masks and new identification requirements during operations.

California Responds, Universities Stand Firm

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office called the lawsuits “meritless” and “politically motivated,” adding: “Good luck, Trump. We’ll see you in court.”

The University of California defended its long-standing policy in a statement: “While we will, of course, comply with the law as determined by the courts, we believe our policies and practices are consistent with current legal standards.”

The case arrives amid other pressure on the UC system, including suspended federal research grants and a demanded $1 billion fine over allegations of antisemitism and race-based admissions at UCLA.

The California State University system, the nation’s largest with more than 460,000 students, and the University of California, serving roughly 300,000, both emphasize diversity and first-generation enrollment, yet the Trump administration insists federal law requires benefits to go to American citizens first.

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